Commissioner Mike Cleary made a visual point during his final report as a member of the Chenoa City Council Monday night.

Cleary pointed out that there are parts of the city that literally need cleaned up and showed a video illustrating this fact. He then officially resigned from the council.

The main reason, Cleary said afterward, was because, “I am retired and I’m going to enjoy it.” Cleary will be moving to Arkansas.

Taking Cleary’s spot on the council will be Donald Schultheis, who was sworn in as the final action before adjournment.

Before leaving, Cleary was part of six items that the council took action on from the 17-item agenda.

Cleary was a leader on the discussion of allowing utilities south of Route 24 and west of Old Route 66 on the southwest part of the city near the interstate.

The discussion focused on developing sewer and water lines that will allow for business development in the area bordered by Route 24, the Union Pacific Railroad tracks and Interstate 55. Old Route 66 bisects the blocks of property.

The lines are expected to cross Route 24 at Pickett Street.

Mayor Don Corrie said that he believes two businesses would already be under construction had the utilities been available.

A definite cost has yet to be determined but the city’s budget has allowed for $50,000 for water main work and $45,000 for a sewer line. It was also noted that funding from the Illinois EPA and USDA might be available.

It was pointed out that the city is able to cover the cost of getting water and sewer lines to the southeast part of the section — the one bordered by the two highways and the railroad tracks.

The city approved the measure to get the utility work started.

The city also approved an ordinance regarding the seizure and impounding of vehicles. A cost of $400 was put on the books for impounded and seized vehicles.

In an unrelated matter, the city approved an ordinance regarding noise levels in the city. This was brought about because of complaints made by residents near Chenoa Welding.

Also approved in an unrelated matter was the allowance of the local taverns to remain open until midnight on Sunday, Feb. 3. That is the night of the Super Bowl.

Although no formal vote was taken, Dwayne Price’s request for having a carnival in the downtown area for the Red Carpet Corridor Weekend was approved. Price asked for the carnival to be in the downtown area in an effort to attract more local visitors.

The stop in Chenoa is part of the Red Carpet Corridor Weekend on the first weekend of May. It involves communities from Joliet to Towanda along Old Route 66.

Page 2 of 2 - City Attorney Al Freehill said that negotiations are still going on regarding the city’s police officers and the Fraternal Order of Police.